Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

A rally was held on May 17 in Tokyo to demand
an immediate nationwide minimum wage hike to 1,000 yen in an aim to raise it to
1,500 yen. Some 75 people, mainly bi-partisan unionists, came to hear the
minimum wage workers and politicians speak.

“Prime Minister
Abe is saying the minimum wage will be raised based on the profit’s
trickle-down as long as there is economic growth, but this is not going to
work,” Japan Communist Party Secretary General KOIKE Akira said. “Raising the
bottom will lead to improving livelihood and living standards. In the 26
districts, opposition parties are forming joint struggle toward the upper house
election in summer, but we need to join hands to materialize this policy.”
Besides JCP, politicians from the Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party of
Japan, the People’s Life Party participated in the rally.

Low-wage workers
from care-giving sector, convenience stores, postal services and station
vendors also spoke of their work and hardships. “I’m always worried about
money,” “Just paying rent is hard enough, but I also have to pay two-year lease
renewal fee. I need to do something about this.” (By M) See photo=Opposition
parties join hands.